Report writing 101 – Quantitative research

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When doing any writing, for a report, presentation, research paper or post, we have different ways to analyze our subject. We can use qualitative analysis, the how and why of the subject. And we can also use quantitative analysis, the use of measurements.

So to continue on my example of wedding days, lets do some quantitative research.

What number of people get married in 2007?

What number of people get married on Saturday as opposed to any other day of the week?

What are the percentages of people getting married each day of the week

How many people attend the average wedding?

What is the largest wedding every held?

What is the largest number of people ever married at one time?

Which month of the year has the most weddings?

Has the price for weddings kept steady when adjusted for inflation?

Has the price of wedding dresses remained stable for the past 10 years?

Do people spend the same or more for engagement rings and wedding rings then they did 10 years ago?

All of this questions can be answered with a measure. A number, a percentage, a chart, a graph or some other form of data. Feelings and emotions drive why those numbers are what they are, and we research that with qualitative research and qualitative analysis. But the numbers and facts and figures we measure and analyze with quantitative analysis and quantitative reporting.